Do most European leaders speak their own language when holding press conferences in the U.S.?

Question

It seems like whenever a foreign leader (usually European) comes to America and has a press conference with Pres. Bush, I always hear them speaking through a translator. I don't think I've ever heard Putin, Angela Merkel(sp?) or Chirac speak English when visiting the States.
Not that I'm saying they "should", I'm just wondering if it's for the benefit of the folks back home.

Answer 1

It is a question of national pride, and perhaps of bad diction of English language.
But if you come on the press with US president and speak English, it seem like you are some US servant and since you are not totally fluent in English there is always fear of being misunderstood and that gives a political headache.
Yes, it is always for the national benefit, what would standard Russian think if Putin would not speak Russian on the press conference. No more votes, not for Putin , not for Merckel, and specially not for Chirac.
They always talk about dominance of English language in news, so each one of them has started a world news program on national language.German has Die Deutsche welle, N24, recently there were signs that we will soon see french , Russian world program on their native languages with English translation , and AL jazeera starts also world news program with wide presentation of political views of middle east.
So we shell soon see the world from russian french and arabic view as oposite to cnn and bbc.
And I think I forgot Chine and Japan which will soon follow the media trend.

Answer 2

My question is: Did you ever hear a US President hold a press conference in the native language of Japan, Russia, Poland, Brasil or Germany?

The reason is that leaders of countries usually do not speak other languages or do not speak other languages fluently enough as to know that what they say is really what they mean. Understandable.

Cordially, India.Magica

Answer 3

Wow, yet another obvious attempt via team McCann to be certain that the clicking in straightforward terms prints what they choose? NO, you do no longer SAY! (sarcasm) it is slightly stupid nonetheless, despite if the Portuguese Press are on their area or no longer, to chunk the hand that feeds you. i assumed they needed as plenty Press interest as available to maintain Madeleine in human beings's suggestions? actually this is going to reason a brilliant backlash in Portugal? The Portuguese Police and (one assumes) government have bent over backwards to thrill the McCann's (isn't their new condominium being paid for via the Portuguese vacationer human beings?), it variety of feels stupid to annoy the clicking in the rustic in which you're a concentrated visitor.

Answer 4

no